2018 Macromolecules
ABSTRACTThe lamellar thicknesses of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) films established from the gel state were investigated in an effort to understand the crystalline structure which forms from the crosslinked network. Crystalline films were prepared from PEO solutions irradiated by γ-rays. The structural aspect of the films was investigated in terms of the exposed radiation energy and the polymer concentration by using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and small angle X-ray scattering. The long-period distance, lamellar thickness, and amorphous thickness in the crystalline films were analyzed based on the small angle X-ray scattering patterns. A wide distribution and non-uniformity of the lamellar stacks were observed in elongated and swollen films. The lamellar thickness was compared to the chain lengths between the crosslinks and the possible presence of crosslinks in the lamellar stacks is discussed. The results revealed that the lamellar thickness was influenced by crosslinks and demonstrated the structural changes associated with both the crystalline phase and crosslinking.